Houston could be getting another sister city

By Craig Hlavaty |
July 19, 2013
| Updated: July 22, 2013 5:28pm

Ahmedabad, Gujarat in India is poised to be Houston's 17th sister city after signing a letter of understanding this week. The Indian city, the largest city in its state, has already signed with Atlanta, Ga., and Columbus, Ohio.

Meenaxi Patel, mayor of Ahmedabad, told the Indian Express that his city and Houston have many links, one being a large population of Indians.

But what exactly do sister cities gain from each other?

According to Sister Cities International, these relationships are "broad-based, officially approved, long-term partnership(s) between two municipalities in two countries. A sister city, county or state relationship is officially recognized after the highest elected or appointed official from both communities sign off on an agreement."

In Houston, these relationships are created by a City Council resolution, requiring the approval of the mayor and council members.

UPDATE: "We have no plans to expand our current sister city contingency," says Jessica Michan, press secretary for Mayor Annise Parker, adding that their office is not aware of a letter of understanding with Ahmedabad.